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Residential High-Rise Featuring Elevated Infrastructure and Transparent Facades in Sustainable Steel and Green Roof Systems

Authors:
Elisa Dellarossa, Federica Filippone, Giulia Filippone, Salvatore Cicero
Residential High-Rise Featuring Elevated Infrastructure and Transparent Facades in Sustainable Steel and Green Roof Systems

Project in-detail

This residential high-rise blends cutting-edge design with sustainable practices, featuring an elevated infrastructure and transparent facades that adapt to climate change while incorporating green roof systems and a versatile steel framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The architectural design incorporates a *grafting* technique that allows for future expansion, enabling the structure to adapt seamlessly to changing urban needs.
02
Transparent facades are specifically engineered to maximize natural light while providing unobstructed views of the surrounding environment.
03
An elevated infrastructure provides essential services above flood levels, ensuring year-round accessibility and safety for residents and businesses alike.
04
The integration of vertical greenery not only enhances the building’s aesthetic but also contributes to urban biodiversity and air quality improvement.
05
Smart mobility systems are embedded within the complex, allowing for efficient transportation across various levels while promoting pedestrian connectivity throughout the development.
The project presents a thoughtful approach to addressing modern urban challenges through innovative architectural design. It represents a response to the pressing issue of climate change, particularly the impacts of rising sea levels on urban environments. This architectural design focuses on creating a resilient and adaptable city structure that can accommodate the shifting conditions of the future while maintaining a sense of community and connectivity among its urban dwellers.

The architectural design concept centers around the integration of environmental sustainability and urban functionality. The project utilizes a multi-layered structure that elevates essential facilities above potential flood levels, ensuring that the essential services and living spaces remain accessible and functional even amidst challenging weather conditions. This raises the overall living experience by promoting safety, while also elevating aesthetic value through enhanced views and natural light penetration.

Key elements of the design include extensive use of glass for the upper sections of buildings, allowing occupants to connect visually with the surrounding urban landscape while promoting energy efficiency through natural lighting. A robust steel framework underpins the entire structure, providing the necessary support and flexibility required for future expansions or modifications. The project also emphasizes the use of sustainable materials that effectively enhance energy efficiency and minimize ecological impact, reflecting a commitment to environmentally responsible practices in architecture.

Unique design approaches in this project focus on reimagining the functionality of skyscrapers and urban spaces. The concept features a *grafting* method, where building elements can grow organically and adapt to the changing needs of the urban community. This idea promotes a dynamic lifestyle, allowing the architecture to evolve over time, thereby supporting diverse activities without compromising structural integrity.

Moreover, the design integrates smart mobility features that facilitate ease of movement within the urban landscape. Elevators and vertical transportation systems are innovatively designed not just for vertical access but also to enhance lateral flow between various spaces. This design strategy encourages pedestrian engagement and reduces reliance on traditional vehicular transportation, aligning with contemporary urban planning principles.

The incorporation of green spaces throughout the development provides essential recreational areas and promotes biodiversity, which is crucial for enhancing urban resilience. Terraces and landscaped gardens are distributed strategically to create a harmonious balance between built and natural environments, contributing to overall well-being and environmental quality.

Each element of the architectural design serves not only its primary function but also contributes to the broader goals of fostering social interaction—and inclusivity within the urban setting. The blending of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within the same framework promotes a sense of community, encouraging diverse interactions that enrich the urban experience.

For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural details, such as architectural plans, architectural sections, and other architectural designs, this project offers a wealth of insightful elements that highlight innovative ideas within contemporary architecture. Exploring the presentation of this project will provide a comprehensive understanding of its design philosophy and architectural approaches, illustrating the potential for future urban developments to adapt to ongoing environmental changes while enhancing quality of life.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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